Betty Darlene Diers was born Dec. 24, 1928 near Marcus, Iowa. She was the third of eleven children born to Nis Frederick Ferdinand and Signe Petrea (Miller) Laursen. Except for 4 years in South Dakota as a young child, Betty lived near Marcus and Cherokee, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Alvin (Ted) Diers on May 9, 1952, in LaMoure, North Dakota. They moved to Rush City in 1955, became active in local organizations, made many friends and became members of First Lutheran Church.

Betty belonged to the Rush City Eagles Auxiliary and held a number of offices on the local, district and state level, attending most of the district and state meetings for many years. The Eagles Club built a food booth at the County Fair about 45 years ago, and as long as she was able, Betty spent long days during the fair cooking and serving food. She would begin the day before 5:00, preparing breakfasts for the fair employees.

Betty served as a Scout Den Mother for many years and baked hundred of cookies and pies for church and other organizations. She was an avid, skilled bowler and sometimes bowled on two leagues. Her basement walls were lined with shelves that held beautiful jars of home canned fruits, vegetables and jellies, often made from home-grown produce. Both Betty and Ted enjoyed fishing and hunting, and Betty could clean and cook just about anything they were able to catch. They often invited other family members to travel with them as they toured and camped across most of the country. Bettyís ëclaim to fameí was her crocheting.

Over the years she made everything from tiny bells, stars and angels to full-sized bedspreads. Betty even found time to work outside the home, holding long-time positions with Mosesí Grocery, the Municipal Liquor Store and Midland Cooperative Feed.

Betty died peacefully in her home on Jan. 8, 2006, with her family close by. She is survived by her husband Ted and children: Vernon ìBuckî (Vickie) Diers of Houston, TX, Kathleen (Mark) Olson of North Branch and Scott Diers of Rush City; sisters: Mary Neustrom of Eureka, CA, Margaret Laursen of Sutherlund, IA, Doris Laursen of Spencer, IA, Verna Sethman of Custer, SD, and Sharon Foran of Cedar Rapids, IA; brothers: Norman (Dorothy) Laursen of Sutherlund, IA, and Nis (JoAnn) Laursen of Cleghorn, IA; grandchildren: Erica Olson, Kristin Olson, Dane Olson, Jessica (Steve) Barnes, Allison (Brad) Ewing, Anthony Diers, Scott Diers Jr., John Diers, Richard Diers and Jason Diers Leske; great-grandchildren Ella Barnes, Nate Barnes, soon-to-arrive Ewing baby; brother-in law: Melford (Joan) Diers, Melvin (Rowena) Diers; sister-in-law: Gertrude (Vernon) Goldsmith, Dorothy Swihart; furry companion, ëPeachesí and very special friend Jennifer Mupela-Mumbi; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nis and Signe Laursen; son Robert; brother and sister-in-law Ervin and Kathryn Laursen, brothers: Darrell Laursen and Verle Laursen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Walter and Betty Diers, brothers-in-law Charles Neustrom, Robert Foran and Wes Swihart.
Funeral services were held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City, Minn., on Thursday, Jan. 12, with the Reverend Laurie OíShea officiating. Music was provided by organist Diane Kirchberg and soloist Jan Goebel. Active casket bearers included Marly Laursen, Cal Laursen, Larry Laursen, Chet VanDyke, Warren Karas and Larry Swanson. Honorary casket bearers included members of the Rush City Eagles Auxiliary Aerie 2663.

Interment followed the funeral service in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City. Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral & Cremation Service, Olson Chapel, Rush City.

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